Forearm Sleeve

ABSTRACT

A sleeve to be worn on a forearm of a person, the sleeve including a fabric dimensioned to cover the forearm, the sleeve also including at least one indicia pattern imprinted the fabric, an opening in the fabric dimensioned to envelop the forearm near the elbow, another opening to envelop the wrist, and wherein the fabric is a material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex to provide resistance to ink fade of the indicia patterns, and wherein the fabric provides a form fitting article extending from the wrist to below the elbow for displaying an indicia pattern according to forearm movement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to a sleeve to be worn on the forearm of a person. More particularly, this invention pertains to a decorative or fashion sleeve that covers the forearm of a person and is suitable for being worn at sports and entertainment events such as soccer, football, concerts, automobile racing, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many types of sports apparel provide for expression by sports fans in celebration of and/or support for their favorite team. Similarly, fans of entertainers, such as bands and other performers, participate in many forms of expression to show their enthusiasm for their favorite act. One form of expression includes waving one's arms in support or celebration. Often fans grip items such as foam fingers, foam tomahawks, towels, lighters, and many other items to wave during the excitement that often occurs somewhat spontaneously.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A sleeve that is worn on the forearm of a person is disclosed. The sleeve provides a decorative or fashion statement and also covers the forearm of a person. The forearm sleeve is suitable for being worn at sports and entertainment events such as soccer, football, concerts, automobile racing, and the like.

The present invention provides a forearm sleeve for participating in fan celebrations without the problems that occur because the fan happens to be holding another item at the moment that the cause for celebration occurs. For example, it is desirable for a fan to be able to lift or wave their arms in celebration without concerns for spilling their drink on themselves or on adjacent fans. With the present invention, the fan is wearing the support item on their arm. The forearm sleeve is worn on the arm and fits snugly around the forearm between the elbow and the wrist.

The forearm sleeve includes indicia imprinted on one or both sides of the sleeve so that the team logo or other team support item of choice is always present on the fan's arm. When cause for celebration occurs, the fan may simply lift or wave their arm in celebration while continuing to grip whatever item they happen to be holding.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sleeve to be worn on the forearm of a person is provided. The sleeve includes a fabric sized to cover the forearm of the person, at least one indicia pattern imprinted on the fabric, a first opening in the fabric sized to envelop the forearm near the elbow, a second opening sized to envelop the wrist, and wherein the fabric is a material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex to provide resistance to ink fade of indicia patterns, and wherein the fabric provides a form fitting article extending from the wrist to below the elbow for displaying at least one indicia pattern according to forearm movement.

In one embodiment, the fabric is a one-piece fabric without need for fasteners of any kind. In various embodiments, the indicia pattern is a nickname, a slogan, a logo, and/or sports related indicia.

In another embodiment, a sleeve to be worn on the forearm of a person provides a form-fitting fabric to cover the forearm and extends from wrist to elbow without covering the elbow, at least one indicia pattern imprinted on the form-fitting fabric, a first opening in the form-fitting fabric corresponding to the forearm and near the elbow, a second opening corresponding to the wrist, and formed from a material that provides resistance to ink fade of indicia patterns, and providing for displaying at least one indicia pattern according to forearm movement.

In another embodiment, a method for wearing a forearm sleeve to display imprinted indicia includes (1) inserting the hand through a first opening in the forearm sleeve, that is a fabric dimensioned to cover the forearm, the first opening dimensioned to envelop the forearm near the elbow, and the fabric is a material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex to provide resistance to ink fade of indicia patterns, (2) extending the hand through the body of the forearm sleeve and through a second opening, that is dimensioned to envelop the wrist, so that the forearm sleeve fits snugly to the forearm, (3) adjusting the position of the forearm sleeve to fit between the wrist and elbow, and (4) moving the arm(s) in an extended motion indicative of and consistent with the imprinted indicia on the forearm sleeve.

The arm movement includes a waving motion, a chopping motion, and extending the arms to emphasize the imprinted indicia.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fan wearing the forearm sleeve;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an arm illustrating use of the forearm sleeve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the forearm sleeve;

FIG. 4 is a view from the small end of the forearm sleeve;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the forearm sleeve;

FIG. 6 is a view from the large end of the forearm sleeve;

FIG. 7 is an unassembled view of the forearm sleeve; and

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a pair of forearm sleeves that include imprinted indicia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A sleeve that is worn on the forearm of a person is disclosed. The sleeve provides a decorative or fashion statement and also covers the forearm of a person. The forearm sleeve is suitable for being worn at sports and entertainment events such as soccer, football, concerts, automobile racing, and the like.

Many types of sports apparel provide for expression by sports fans in celebration of and/or support for their favorite team. Similarly, fans of entertainers, such as bands and other performers, participate in many forms of expression to show their enthusiasm for their favorite act. One form of expression includes waving one's arms in support or celebration. Often fans grip items such as foam fingers, foam tomahawks, towels, lighters, and many other items to wave during the excitement that often occurs somewhat spontaneously.

The present invention provides a forearm sleeve for participating in fan celebrations without the problems that occur because the fan happens to be holding another item at the moment that the cause for celebration occurs. For example, it is desirable for a fan to be able to lift or wave their arms in celebration without concerns for spilling their drink on themselves or on adjacent fans. With the present invention, the fan is wearing their support item on their arm. The forearm sleeve is worn on the arm and fits snugly around the forearm between the elbows and the wrists.

The forearm sleeve includes indicia imprinted on one or both sides of the sleeve so that the team logo or other team support item of choice is always present on the fan's arm. When cause for celebration occurs, the fan may simply lift or wave their arm in celebration while continuing to grip whatever item they happen to be holding.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fan wearing the forearm sleeve 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an arm illustrating use of the forearm sleeve 100 and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the forearm sleeve 100 without an arm present. The forearm sleeve 100 includes a body 110 with a first end 112 and a second end 114. The first end 112 includes a first opening 312 dimensioned to envelop or enclose the forearm proximate the elbow of the person wearing the forearm sleeve 100. Similarly, the second end 114 includes a second opening 314 dimensioned to envelop or enclose the wrist area distal to the elbow and near to the hand of the person wearing the forearm sleeve 100.

In one embodiment, the forearm sleeve 100 includes imprinted indicia 116 on at least a portion of the body 110. The imprinted indicia 116 includes ink that is applied to the body 110 in varying colors, shapes, and styles. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the body 110 includes imprinted indicia 116 with the phrase “Go Team.” The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 includes imprinted indicia 116 with the phrase “State” on the body 110. It will be readily appreciated that the imprinted indicia 116 can take many forms to suit the particular fans, teams, and or personalities involved. For example, in various embodiments the imprinted indicia 116 may include team nicknames (Dawgs, Vols, Gators), team slogans (Sic 'em Dawgs, Go Vols, Roll Tide), team logos or artifacts (tomahawk, cowbell, team emblem), or any other paraphernalia commonly associated with the team. Similarly, the imprinted indicia 116 may include a race car number such as in automobile racing, a player number, a performer's name or other identifying mark, or even advertising slogans and trademarks.

In one embodiment, the forearm sleeve 100 includes a body 110 designed to enclose the forearm from the wrist to below the elbow. In one embodiment, the body 110 is a one piece fabric material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex. Spandex is a synthetic fiber (polyurethane-polyurea copolymer) having exceptional elasticity and is also known by the names elastane and lycra, among others. The polyester spandex combination for the material provides an essentially form fitting article of clothing that fits snugly and securely to the forearm of the wearer. The snugness of the polyester spandex combination also eliminates the need for elastic or specialty fastening devices at either end of the forearm sleeve 100 while providing for an article that maintains its position and does not slide around on the arm.

One desirable characteristic of the forearm sleeve 100 is the capability to include imprinted indicia 116 such as for sports teams, for example, so that the wearer can readily extend and/or wave their arms in celebration or excitement. The combination of polyester and spandex provides a fabric that reduces or eliminates the likelihood of ink imprinted on the body 110 fading over time. In such an embodiment, the imprinted indicia 116 maintains its color and vibrancy so that the forearm sleeve provides reliable use at sports or entertainment events well beyond the life of typical sporting attire.

The forearm sleeve 100 is placed on the arm of the wearer by simply inserting the arm, hand first, through the first opening 312 of the forearm sleeve 100. The arm is then extended through the body 110 of the forearm sleeve 100 until the hand protrudes through the second opening 314. Adjustments are made to the fit by simply pulling from either end of the forearm sleeve 100 until the body 110 fits snugly and securely from the wrist to near the elbow. Adjustments are made to the location of the imprinted indicia 116 by simply turning the body 110 while pulling from either end to keep or maintain the general location of the forearm sleeve 100.

FIG. 4 is a view from the small end or the second end 114 of the forearm sleeve 100. FIG. 5 is a side view of the forearm sleeve 100. FIG. 6 is a view from the large end or the first end 112 of the forearm sleeve 100. The body 110 of the forearm sleeve 100 includes a first hem 512 proximal to the first end 112 of the forearm sleeve 100, that is near the elbow of the wearer.

Similarly, the body 110 includes a second hem 514 distal to the first end 112, that is near the second end 114 and thus near the wrist of the wearer. Additionally, the forearm sleeve 100 is a one piece fabric and is sewn together along the seam 610. The seam 610 extends from the first end 112 to the second end 114 of the body 114.

FIG. 7 is an unassembled view of the forearm sleeve 100. The first end 112 and the second end 114 form the fold lines for each end of the forearm sleeve 100. The first material end 712 of the body 110 is folded over the first end 112 (first end fold line) toward the first hem 512 line. This fold makes the first end fold line 112 become the first end 112. Similarly, the second material end 714 of the body 110 is folded over the second end 112 (second end fold line). This fold makes the second end fold line 114 become the second end 114. The first and second hems 512, 514 are made via sewing near the first material end 712 and the second material end 714 to secure the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the forearm sleeve 100.

Fold line 730 and the edges of the body 110 (seam lines 610 a, 610 b) are shown for illustrative purposes to indicate how the body 110 is assembled into the forearm sleeve 100. The edges 610 a, 610 b (seam line 610) extending between the first material end 712 and the second material end 714 are joined together to form the seam line 610.

The illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 7 also illustrates two exemplary indicia regions 720 a, 720 b. These are typical regions where imprinted indicia 116 are applied to the body 110 of the forearm sleeve 100. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that imprinted indicia 116 may be placed at virtually any location of the body 110 of the forearm sleeve 100.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a pair of forearm sleeves 100 that include imprinted indicia 116. The forearm sleeves 100 are used in pairs and can also be used singly. The illustrated embodiment shows both sides of the pair of forearm sleeves 100. That is, one side of the forearm sleeves 100 shown in FIG. 8 shows imprinted indicia 116 that indicates “Go Team” while the opposite side of the same forearm sleeve 100 shows imprinted indicia 116 that indicates “State”. Of course, the actual imprinted indicia 116 will vary as great as the numbers of sports teams, entertainers, and the like.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a forearm sleeve 100 has been disclosed. The forearm sleeve 100 provides for covering the forearm of a person while also providing a decorative or fashion statement. The forearm sleeve 100 is suitable for being worn at sports and entertainment events such as soccer, football, concerts, automobile racing, and the like.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sleeve to be worn on a forearm of a person, the sleeve comprising: a fabric dimensioned to cover the forearm of the person; at least one indicia pattern imprinted on said fabric; a first opening in said fabric dimensioned to envelop the forearm proximal to an elbow; a second opening in said fabric dimensioned to envelop a wrist distal to said elbow; and said fabric formed from a material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex so that said fabric provides resistance to ink fade of indicia patterns, and wherein said fabric provides a form fitting article extending from said wrist to below said elbow for displaying said at least one indicia pattern according to forearm movement.
 2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein said fabric is a one-piece fabric without need for fasteners of any kind.
 3. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein said indicia pattern is a nickname.
 4. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein said indicia pattern is a slogan.
 5. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein said indicia pattern is a logo.
 6. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein said indicia pattern is a sports related indicia.
 7. A sleeve to be worn on a forearm of a person, the sleeve comprising: a form-fitting fabric to cover the forearm of the person, said form-fitting fabric extending from a wrist to an elbow without covering said elbow; at least one indicia pattern imprinted on said form-fitting fabric; a first opening in said form-fitting fabric, said first opening corresponding to the forearm and proximal to said elbow; a second opening in said form-fitting fabric, said second opening corresponding to said wrist and distal to said elbow; and said form-fitting fabric formed from a material that provides resistance to ink fade of said indicia patterns, and wherein said form-fitting fabric provides for displaying said at least one indicia pattern according to forearm movement.
 8. The sleeve of claim 7, wherein said fabric is a one-piece fabric without need for fasteners of any kind.
 9. The sleeve of claim 8, wherein said form-fitting fabric is a material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex
 10. The sleeve of claim 7, wherein at least one indicia pattern is a nickname.
 11. The sleeve of claim 7, wherein at least one indicia pattern is a slogan.
 12. The sleeve of claim 7, wherein at least one indicia pattern is a logo.
 13. The sleeve of claim 7, wherein at least one indicia pattern is a sports related indicia.
 14. The sleeve of claim 7, wherein said fabric is a one-piece fabric without need for fasteners of any kind.
 15. A method for wearing a forearm sleeve to display imprinted indicia on the forearm sleeve, said method comprising: inserting a hand through a first opening in said forearm sleeve, wherein said forearm sleeve is a fabric dimensioned to cover said forearm, and wherein said first opening is dimensioned to envelop a forearm proximal to an elbow, and wherein said fabric is a material having substantially 80% polyester and 20% spandex to provide resistance to ink fade of indicia patterns; extending said hand through a body of said forearm sleeve so that said hand extends through a second opening, wherein said second opening is dimensioned to envelop a wrist distal to said elbow, and wherein said forearm sleeve fits snugly to said forearm; adjusting position of said forearm sleeve so that said forearm sleeve fits between said wrist and said elbow; and moving arms in an extended motion indicative of and consistent with said imprinted indicia on said forearm sleeve.
 16. The sleeve of claim 15, further comprising moving arms in a waving motion.
 17. The sleeve of claim 15, further comprising moving arms in a chopping motion.
 18. The sleeve of claim 15, further comprising extending arms to emphasize presence of said imprinted indicia. 